That dude "fishgator" is full of it or his buddy is telling stories. I have worked on some executive compensation matters. Let's pretend I'm McSharkFvcker. I'm contractually entitled to 12.5 million if I'm fired, "without Cause."
If I'm a 60 year old dude nearing retirement, after how badly my reputation has been slandered (partially of my own doing, partially because I'm so disgusting people think I look like a sexual deviant), it's pretty unlikely I will ever see that kind of money again. Why the F would I "voluntarily" give up the 4.5 mil a year? It can't get worse than this. Let's say they want me out. I will give zero effort on recruiting/winning and demand every cent I am contractually obligated.
Unless they have serious dirt on me (like a dead girl or a live boy), I'm collecting all 12.5 million. There is no negotiation. My agent and attorney would ensure that UiF pays me the ALREADY NEGOTIATED 2.5 million every year until 2022 if I can't get the 4.5 next year. Senior executives of large companies receiving very large compensation packages don't leave money on the table when the executioner calls.